SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced over $16 million in Industrial Training Program (ITP) funds to train more than 4,400 new workers and upgrade the skills of about 62,000 current workers.

In Southern Illinois, $800,000 will allow 8 businesses to train 1,500 new workers and upgrade the skills of over 3,000 current employees.

"These grants will ensure that Illinois has the well-trained workforce that employers look for when selecting a new plant or facility location," Ryan said. "Because of the ITP program we are able to secure good paying jobs for thousands of Illinois citizens."

Champion Laboratories, Inc. in Albion in Edwards County will receive $111,000 in ITP funds to train 200 new employees and upgrade the skills of 1600 current workers. In Grand Chain in Massac County, Lafarge Corporation will use $69,000 in ITP grants to train several new workers and 135 current employees at a highly automated facility.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) administers the Industrial Training Program grants on a competitive basis.

"As we talk to companies interested in doing business in Illinois, we constantly hear that a skilled workforce is one of the biggest issues affecting the site selection process," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "Investing this money now in our workers will pay large dividends in the future, as more companies, and in particular hi-tech companies, decide to invest in the people of Illinois."